Easier to play on a Steinway? (Rhyme)

[spencervirt]

Jokes aside, I had a piano recital on saturday and played on a brand new, as of that day, steinway model A. The piano that I usually play on is a 1975 ish Baldwin spinet. I found that not only could I play technically difficult passages with increased ease on the steinway, but I could voice melodies so much clearer. I also found that I could play such difficult passages much faster. I tried playing what I knew of the chopin etude op. 25 no. 1 and I found that I could play it way faster than needed. I tried playing the repeated notes at the end of chopins nocturne in e flat and could play them at breakneck speed. I tried playing the opening of Ballade 4 and suddenly the top melody was so much clearer. What is it about the action of the steinway that makes everything so much easier to play? After trying to voice melodies on my spinet, everything sounded so clear. It was discouraging listening to the crystal clarity of the recordings of concert pianists until I realized that a large part of it may have been my piano. Thoughts?

[floydcramerfan]

We had Steinways in college in the recital hall and choral hall and I was in love with them.  Also Floyd Cramer played a Steinway and I got to play it when I toured Studio B in Nashville.  Man, that piano sounded good!!!  Things did come very easy to me on that piano.  It was like it was saying, "Play me."  Don't laugh.

[john90]

You have to experience this quality feel to believe it. Sadly not all Steinways are this good. The good news is that other makes can feel fantastic too. Now you know the feeling you can rule out 95% of used pianos by pressing a few notes!

[floydcramerfan]

I don't remember what model Floyd's piano was, but it was made in 1945.  Maybe one day when I win the lottery I'll have a Steinway.

[quantum]

This feel is not exclusive to Steinway.  There are many other makes that can give you similar sensations.  The good thing is that you are noticing them.  As you play more and more pianos you will discover elements you desire, and others you care less about.  It's a great way to discover what you would like to have in your own piano.

[spencervirt]

I'm happy to hear that I have more options as it may be a while before I can buy my own steinway!

I have been experimenting with pianos when I can. i have played a few redone steinways that I would never think of purchasing. When I touched this new steinway, it was just... different.

I want to try bosendorfer and petrof.

I like Mason Hamlins, but not as much as the steinway. The pedals on the hamlins bother me for some reason.

I once played a yamaha concert grand- loved it